A Julia Dress For All Occasions

This isn't the first time I've sung praises for the ever versatile, slightly sexy LuLaRoe Julia dress. This black and grey number, courtesy of LuLaRoe Kate & Jamie, is no exception. LuLaRoe Julia boasts a classic shape, a super flexible fit and blank canvas sensibility that seamlessly shifts from from day job to date night to dry cleaning pickup with a simple switch of accessories.

Manic Monday

The good ole work week welcome: You woke up late, can't find matching socks for the kids and the last thing you have the brain cells to brainstorm is an outfit. LuLaRoe Julia B&W Print steps up to the plate! Throw on a bright scarf (to wake up your face) and a heel (to look like you tried) and slide right into the home office. SAFE!

Thirsty Thursday

Work From Home Thursday! Best. Day. Ever. No mad rush to beautify by day break; you don't bother to bathe until 4. Then it's off to entertain your therapist for an hour followed by dinner and drinks with a bestie. LuLaRoe Julia B&W Print can play this game! Casual cute always and extra sassy with accessories, LuLaRoe Julia B&W Print holds her own - on and off the field.

Weekend Warrior

Whoever came up with expression "Working for the Weekend" wasn't a working mom. Saturday is double header of household duties and child chasing. LuLaRoe Julia B&W Print shows up in the clutch, helps you swoop up kids from soccer and sweep up the clubhouse with ease - and style. It's been a long day, Momma. Toss a few back and curl up on the couch with your iPhone - you earned it.

Inside Job

The element that made this look plausible was an epic knotting technique courtesy of my photographer Amanda. She gathered a handful of fabric at the base of my spine and secured it with a hair tie - on the inside of the cardigan. Brilliant!

Sarah + Julia = LuLaRoe 101

For outfit #2, I layered my Sarah Cardigan over a black Julia Dress, courtesy of LuLaRoe Consultants Kate and Jamie. This look is quintessential LuLaRoe style. And why not? The proportions work and nobody appreciates a chilly back half. Personalize your version with fun shoes - like these Loeffler Randall cut out platform booties I've owned since 2008.

LuLaRoe Sarah: Sarong, It's Right

LuLaRoe Key Piece #3 Sarah Cardigan | Grey Gone Glam

This last look ended up being my favorite of the entire shoot. Funny thing, it's the same outfit base as look #1 but accessorized with a blingy J.Crew statement necklace, a metallic Loeffler Randall cosmetic case for clutch and funky Loeffler Randall booties. In a flash of inspiration I tied the bottoms of the Sarah cardigan sarong style, with the knot to the side at my hip. Sass-o-rama!

Me: "Oy!" Followed by "Ummmmm" and finally, #icant (hashtag included).

I didn't have anything against LuLaRoe, specifically. Okay maybe I did. Fine! I thought the crazy cat lady leggings were cheesy and was getting annoyed AF at the relentless stream of Facebook notifications inviting me to a pop up party that always seemed to be hosted in a random closet in Norfolk, Va.

And Then This Happened

60K Views Can't Be Wrong

So yes. I got the leggings, tried them on and made a popular video about my reaction. Like, VERY popular. Guys. I have been making videos for years and nothing has ever generated this level of engagement and enthusiasm. Best part? All the comments were nice. I liked these LuLaRoe pizza print legging loving ladies and I wanted more of their attention.

Ever the content opportunist, my mind was swirling with ideas. How could I put my signature capsule wardrobe, fashion-classic spin on a brand fundamentally committed to clashing prints and flash sales?

I reached out to several LuLaRoe Fashion Consultants and pitched the idea of collaborating on 10 Key Pieces: LuLaRoe Capsule Challenge. They would each donate a garment and I would create dozens of looks from the limited collection. The kickers:

With 7 LuLaRoe Consultants at my disposal, I figured the process would be easy peasy. I'd look at some pictures, select a few styles in my size, the Consultants would send them, Amanda would snap some pics - Voila! Post up by Labor Day. Typical retail brand collaboration.

Turns out LuLaRoe isn't your typical retail brand.

My LuLaRoe capsule had to reflect my personal style

How To Catch A Unicorn

It didn't take me long to crack the code on what fuels the billion dollar LuLaRoe machine: Good old fashion FOMO. Just because you have a taste for pizza pants, it doesn't mean you can just order up a pair. LuLaRoe Consultants don't control their inventory. From sizes to prints, they get what they get and you get a few hours to shop that inventory once a week.

To claim your coveted leggings, you must show up often and early to your LuLaRoe Consultants' Facebook hosted pop up pizza parties. Even then it's practically impossible to locate your favorite flavor from just one Consultant. Best to have several pizza pant purveyors on speed dial so you can scour their menu as soon as it posts and type SOLD! before anyone else grabs your slice of the pie.

Sizes, Smizes

Another challenge I encountered creating my LuLaRoe capsule was sizing. While the leggings are pretty true to their OS claim, everything else seemed to run very big and very long. Just when I thought I'd nailed my LuLaRoe skirt size (XS, based on a Cassie) I scored a classic black XS Azure skirt and damn well if didn't fit like an XS: Tight. Grrrrr.

Tailoring is out, too. Why? Because LuLaRoe would rather you not, that's why. Instead, they provide countless ideas on how to knot or tie or reconfigure the garments to work for your height or styling preference.

Good thing I'm inventive.

Fit to be tied in a LuLaRoe Perfect Tee

Drumroll, Please

Challenges aside, once my LuLaRoe 10 Key Piece Capsule came together I was very pleased with the results. Some highlights:

LuLaRoe fabric is indeed very, very comfortable

The Classic and Perfect Tee tops are roomy and hit the mid thigh in the right spot

The Julia dress is versatile and easy to layer

The Cassie pencil skirt is a fashion shape shifter - I styled it as a skirt, a top - even an infinity scarf!

All garment styles work together, which is essential for building an effective capsule